Women and Water Mix at Economic Forum

What do a new manufacturing facility, an apple farm, a distillery, or a food processor have in common? Each of the businesses requires water to produce their products. Water is the anchor in a community for public health and economic development. An event in Chicago brought more than 200 women who work in economic development to the Area Development Forum. The professionals represent small and large cities, site development companies, energy companies and one water company – Louisville Water.

Louisville Water is one of a few water providers truly engaged in the economic development space and attendees got a sense of why when they saw Louisville Pure Tap pitchers, cups, and signage at the venue. In our region, Louisville Water collaborates with metro, regional, and state associations plus our energy partners to highlight the value of water and the value of Kentucky in growing a business.

Water is at the forefront of many economic development conversations. The need to invest in infrastructure and find reliable supplies can often determine the success of a new business. Site selectors – professionals who help new businesses find a location – say too often the water providers are not at the table for important conversations and that lack of collaboration shows when a community stumbles in front of an important client.

Louisville Water is focused on ensuring water gets a seat at the table for economic development and site selectors notice. “Louisville’s branding around its water is brilliant,” explained one selector. “How the utility aligns itself with the city and its unique water users is obvious. You’re on to something that other utilities need to do.”

“Relationships are a big part of Louisville Water’s strategy and are key to our community’s success” said Kelley Dearing Smith, Louisville Water’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “Just like consumers, the only time a business hears from Louisville Water should not be when something goes wrong. We want our business community to celebrate the value of water just like a consumer.”

The Area Development Forum is a national venue for economic developers, and this is the fifth year that Louisville Water has been at the Chicago event.